Extended Essays 2021

through insurrection? Furthermore, due to the role of government in a democratic

society, is its foundation compromised when the desire of the state is misaligned with

the people? To provide an answer to these questions, one is required to contemplate

the relationship between government and the people. This is considered by a range

of philosophers, each proposing different claims regarding the nature of governmental

power within the axiological field of political philosophy. Two philosophers who

propose alternate theories on power are Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

The Theories

Thomas Hobbes presents the concept of a social contract theory as he identifies that

absolute power belongs to the Sovereign in his Leviathan (1651) 4 . Hobbes further

ascertains that the State of Nature 5 is one where man is in a constant state of war

against every man. As a result, government is a necessary part of society, ensuring

peace and protection. It was postulated that a duty exists to obey one’s government

regardless of its actions. Due to the nature of governmental power, the right to

insurrection is incoherent with the functioning of a democracy.

In his Second Treatise (1681) , John Locke posits that the nature of government is to

support and preserve the public good. Regarding this, the social contract is valid where

it does not trespass upon the natural rights of the individual. As a result, a member of

society is always naturally free to change between enforcing and obeying the law as

4 Social contract theory is the belief that as part of a society, one must adhere to moral and political obligations. These can be in the form of laws or other societal expectations for the individual. For both Hobbes and Locke, to enter into society one must surrender certain individual rights so as to be governed by ones of the collective. Friend, Celeste. “Social Contract Theory.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy , iep.utm.edu/soc- cont/. 5 Munro, André. “State of Nature.” Encyclopædia Britannica , 30 Apr. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/state- of-nature-political-theory.

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